In History, Today on January 26

Lisbon, Portugal, was struck by a major earthquake, causing significant destruction and loss of life.

The Council of Trent, a major Roman Catholic council, concluded its final session, marking a significant event in the Counter-Reformation.

The British First Fleet, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, arrived at Port Jackson, marking the founding of the colony of New South Wales, now part of Australia.

Michigan was admitted as the 26th state of the United States of America.

The world's largest diamond, the Cullinan, was discovered at the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa.

Saint Petersburg, Russia, was renamed Leningrad in honor of the late Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin.

John Logie Baird gave the first public demonstration of television in his laboratory in London.

The Apollo Theater opened in Harlem, New York City, becoming a significant venue for African American performers.

India officially became a republic, adopting its constitution and marking Republic Day.

Hindi was declared the official language of India, alongside English.

The Yugoslavian air stewardess Vesna Vulović survived a fall from 10,160 meters (33,330 ft) after the plane she was in exploded, setting a world record for surviving the highest fall without a parachute.

Israel and Egypt established diplomatic relations following the Camp David Accords.

President Bill Clinton denied having had a sexual relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, in a statement that would lead to his impeachment.

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes Gujarat, India, resulting in significant loss of life and property damage.

President Hamid Karzai signs the new constitution of Afghanistan into law, establishing a presidential system of government.

Condoleezza Rice is sworn in as the United States Secretary of State, becoming the first African American woman to hold the position.

Western Union discontinues its telegram service, ending 150 years of telegraphy in the United States.

The Egyptian Revolution of 2011 begins with widespread protests demanding the end of President Hosni Mubarak's regime.

The Grammy Awards take place, with Daft Punk winning Album of the Year for 'Random Access Memories'.

Libby Lane is consecrated as the first female bishop of the Church of England.

Larry Nassar, former USA Gymnastics doctor, is sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing young athletes.

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others die in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.